give a compliment

Meaning

To say something nice or polite to someone to express praise, admiration, or approval. It is a common social gesture used to build rapport, make others feel good, or show appreciation for their appearance, work, or skills.

Examples

• It's always nice to give a compliment to someone when they do a great job.

  It's always nice to give a compliment to someone when they do a great job.

• He wanted to give her a compliment on her new haircut, but he was too nervous.

  He wanted to give her a compliment on her new haircut, but he was too nervous.

• She blushed when her boss gave her a compliment during the meeting.

  She blushed when her boss gave her a compliment during the meeting.

• You should give a compliment to the chef; the dinner was absolutely delicious.

  You should give a compliment to the chef; the dinner was absolutely delicious.

• Giving a compliment is a simple way to make someone's day a little brighter.

  Giving a compliment is a simple way to make someone's day a little brighter.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to give a complement on your beautiful dress.

  ✓ I want to give a compliment on your beautiful dress.

  'Complement' (with an 'e') means to complete or make perfect. 'Compliment' (with an 'i') is the correct spelling for praise.

• ✗ He made a compliment to her.

  ✓ He gave her a compliment.

  While 'make a compliment' is occasionally understood, 'give a compliment' or 'pay a compliment' are the natural English collocations.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you like her performance, make sure to ___.

  💡 say something nice to praise her

  Show answer

  give a compliment

• Don't be afraid to ___ to your coworkers when they work hard.

  💡 praise someone's work

  Show answer

  give a compliment